Helping My Animal

Posted on: 25 July 2018

If you have pets, it's crucial that you include them in any emergency plans you make for your family. Being prepared for things like earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes ensures that you'll know what to do when disaster strikes. If you haven't made plans for your pets, you need to do that now. You never know when you'll need to act fast. When that moment arrives, you'll want to be prepared to keep your pets safe and protected as well. Here are three steps you can take to make sure you're ready to care for your pets in an emergency.

Start with a Trip to the Vet

When it comes to implementing a safety plan for your pets, the best place to start is with the veterinarian. The first thing you should do is have your pet microchipped. This will ensure that you can be located should your pet wander off during an emergency. If your pet is prone to bouts of anxiety, it's a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication. You can use the medication to keep your pet calm during an emergency. Don't forget to get a copy of your pets medical records, as well. You'll need to keep those with your family records.

Get Your Pet a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

If you've been preparing for emergencies, you've probably got 72-hour emergency kits for each member of your family. If you have pets, you should have kits for them, as well. Their kits should include a small supply of food, a bottle of water, an extra leash, and a comfort toy. These items will be beneficial to your pet during an emergency, especially if you're forced to evacuate.

Have a Pet Carrier Ready to Go

If you don't have a pet carrier at home, it's time to get one. Your pet carrier will come in handy during an emergency. Even if your pet doesn't use it on a regular basis, you should ensure that the carrier has a soft blanket inside and at least one soft toy. You can use the carrier as a safe place for your pet to ride out a storm, or for emergency transport during an evacuation. Keeping your pet in a carrier during an emergency will ensure that you know where they are when it comes time for evacuation. It will also help calm their fears.

You never know when a disaster is going to strike. Make sure you're prepared to keep your pets safe by following the tips provided here. Be sure to talk to a business like Stewartstown Vet Services about other ways to keep your pet safe during a disaster.